Long-snapper need is filled

TAMPA -- The Bucs placed two players on the injured reserve list Tuesday, welcomed two free agents aboard and sent another to the practice squad.

Tampa Bay filled its most immediate need for Sunday's game at Atlanta by signing long-snapper Morris Unutoa, who played with the Bucs in 1999. The Bucs also signed former Packers receiver Charles Lee to a one-year contract.

Unutoa replaces Mike Solwold, who injured his left foot in Sunday's 35-7 win at Cincinnati and was placed on injured reserved Tuesday.

Lee, who played with Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper at the University of Central Florida, will serve as the Bucs' fifth receiver. He replaces rookie Marquise Walker, who was moved to the injured reserve list after undergoing surgery on his left thumb Tuesday.

The Bucs also added depth on the offensive line by signing guard Tutan Reyes from the New Orleans Saints practice squad. To make room for Reyes, the Bucs released guard Russ Hochstein for the second time in as many weeks.

However, Hochstein will be signed to the Bucs' practice squad, where the team cleared a spot by releasing Chris Valleta.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lee played in 22 games in two seasons with the Packers, catching 13 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. He was released by Green Bay on the final roster cut Sept. 1. Reyes was a fifth-round pick by the Saints in 2000.

Lee isn't likely to see action in Sunday's game at Atlanta. He will serve as a backup to receivers Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, Joe Jurevicius and Karl Williams.

This is Unutoa's second stint with Tampa Bay. He joined the Bucs four games into the 1999 season when long-snapper Mitch Palmer sustained a season-ending knee injury. Unutoa played the final eight games for Buffalo in 2001 and was with the Giants in the preseason.